Nenshi says Bill 10 debate makes Albertans look like 'hillbillies'

CalgaryMayor Naheed Nenshi is slamming the provincial government for its handling of Bill 10legislation dealing with gay-straight alliances in schools.

It's not the first time he has spoken out on the issue, but it became a big part of his speech to theCalgaryChamber of Commerce Thursday afternoon.

• Gay-straight alliance bill needs some work, says Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi

He was speaking to the crowd about the state of business in Calgary, saying there is room to be more inclusive.

"This damagingand hateful debatedoes nothing but reinforce negative stereotypes," said Nenshi.

The bill came under fire for not making it mandatory for school boards to allow GSAs when requested by a student, instead leaving it up to students to seek legal action if their request for a GSA is denied.

In response to widespread opposition, the Tories introduced an amendment stating the education minister would interveneif a school board refused to allow a GSA.

Better topics to debate, says Nenshi

He wonders why an issue about a school club would dominate the legislature for two weekswhen MLAs could have been talking about more meaningful topics, such as education or the oil price crash.

"How additionally ridiculous is it that we know these clubs help kids stay safe, we know that these clubs help prevent suicide among a group where one third of the kids attempt suicide."

Nenshi called the debate over gay-straight alliances in schools dangerous. He saysit has fuelled the stereotype thatAlbertans are "hillbillies."

"Absolutely, I was getting all kinds of feedback from people across the country about what kind of a place do you live in where you are having this type of discussion in public," he said.

Nenshidid sayone good thing about Premier Jim Prentice by thanking him for finally putting the bill on hold.